Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia Protocols on Cognitive Performance and Brain Health in Older Adults Across Cognitive States: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: The rise in the aging population highlights the need to address cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) protocols show promise in enhancing cognitive abilities and brain health. Objective: This review evaluates IH protocols' benefits on cognition and brain health in older adults, regardless of cognitive status. Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and two registers, covering records from inception to May 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42023462177). Inclusion criteria were: 1) original research with quantitative details; 2) studies involving older adults, with or without cognitive impairment; 3) studies including IH protocols; 4) articles analyzing cognition and brain health in older adults. Results: Seven studies and five registered trials met the criteria. Findings indicate that Intermittent Hypoxia Training (IHT) and Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) improved cognitive functions and brain health. Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (IHE) improved cerebral tissue oxygen saturation, middle cerebral arterial flow velocity, and cerebral vascular conductance, particularly in cognitively impaired populations. IHT and IHHT had no significant effect on BDNF levels. There is a lack of studies on IHHE in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Conclusions: IH protocols may benefit cognition regardless of cognitive status. IHT and IHE positively affect cerebral outcomes, with all protocols having limited effects on BDNF levels. Future research should standardize IH protocols, investigate long-term cognitive effects, and explore neuroprotective biomarkers. Combining these protocols with physical exercise across diverse populations could refine interventions and guide targeted therapeutic strategies.

Could the Historical Transition from Segmented to Monophasic Sleep Explain the Modern Insurgence of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias?

 In their article, Finch and Burstein explore the hypothesis that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) may predominantly be phenomena of the modern era. Through a review of classical Greek and Latin literature, they found minimal reference to conditions akin to ADRD, suggesting a historical rarity of severe cognitive decline. Instead, ancient texts focused on physical aspects of aging, with cognitive changes, when noted, not resembling modern-day dementia. Finch and Burstein further extend their analysis by drawing parallels with the Tsimane people of Bolivia, known for their low prevalence of dementia and cardiovascular diseases, attributed to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. By comparing historical sleep patterns transitioning from segmented to monophasic sleep with those of the Tsimane community, we enriched Finch and Burstein's research, highlighting the need to take into account a range of diverse factors, including sleep, in understanding the etiopathogenesis of ADRD in today's society.

Effects of a Physical Activity Program that Incorporates Exercises Targeting Balance, Strength, and Proprioception on Cognitive Functions and Physical Performance in Old Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Aging often leads to cognitive function decline, sensory structure deterioration, and musculoskeletal system weakening. This impacts postural control during static and dynamic activities like walking, increasing the fall risk among the elderly. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) face an elevated fall risk and cognitive decline, magnifying the public health concern. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore solutions by investigating the effects of a multi-component physical activity program on cognitive and motor functions in MCI patients. METHODS: Twenty-three participants were enrolled in the study and assigned into two groups: an intervention group (n = 13; age = 85.7±5.5 years) and a control group (n = 9; age = 85±6.7 years). The study spanned two months, with participants engaging in three 60-minute weekly physical exercise sessions. The intervention focused on improving proprioception, muscle strength, and balance. RESULTS: Results demonstrated significant enhancements in physical performance, fall risk reduction, and balance (p < 0.05). Various tests, including the timed up and go test, Unipedal Stance test, Tinetti test, Short Physical Performance Battery, and 6-minute walking test, indicated these improvements. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination, revealing non-significant progress (p > 0.05). Predictive models for outcomes were developed using linear regression analysis during the follow-up stage. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the effectiveness of a multi-component physical activity program encompassing balance, proprioception, and muscle-strengthening exercises as a non-pharmaceutical approach in improving balance skills and playing a key role in mitigating the risk of falls among old adults with MCI.

Swimming and the human microbiome at the intersection of sports, clinical, and environmental sciences: A scoping review of the literature.

The human microbiota is comprised of more than 10-100 trillion microbial taxa and symbiotic cells. Two major human sites that are host to microbial communities are the gut and the skin. Physical exercise has favorable effects on the structure of human microbiota and metabolite production in sedentary subjects. Recently, the concept of "athletic microbiome" has been introduced. To the best of our knowledge, there exists no review specifically addressing the potential role of microbiomics for swimmers, since each sports discipline requires a specific set of techniques, training protocols, and interactions with the athletic infrastructure/facility. Therefore, to fill in this gap, the present scoping review was undertaken. Four studies were included, three focusing on the gut microbiome, and one addressing the skin microbiome. It was found that several exercise-related variables, such as training volume/intensity, impact the athlete's microbiome, and specifically the non-core/peripheral microbiome, in terms of its architecture/composition, richness, and diversity. Swimming-related power-/sprint- and endurance-oriented activities, acute bouts and chronic exercise, anaerobic/aerobic energy systems have a differential impact on the athlete's microbiome. Therefore, their microbiome can be utilized for different purposes, including talent identification, monitoring the effects of training methodologies, and devising ad hoc conditioning protocols, including dietary supplementation. Microbiomics can be exploited also for clinical purposes, assessing the effects of exposure to swimming pools and developing potential pharmacological strategies to counteract the insurgence of skin infections/inflammation, including acne. In conclusion, microbiomics appears to be a promising tool, even though current research is still limited, warranting, as such, further studies.